See what the Federal Way Link Extension will look like!
At Sound Transit, we've been working hard to move the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) Project toward the beginning of construction.
The project team is excited to present a video animation of the future light rail route, which includes information from project engineers, architects and others. The video features a detailed project overview, including an aerial overview of the future project area.
Kent/Des Moines station area spotlight
Sound Transit is committed to ensuring the Kent/Des Moines station area provides easy and enjoyable access for the community. The elevated station and landscaped pedestrian boulevard will improve access to Highline College and surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. The design of the station area will include three new streets to promote multimodal access, including walking, bicycling, transit, and driving and parking. Sound Transit is also creating two large plaza areas with an urban design that includes landscaping, seating and public art.
Like other Sound Transit stations, the station plaza will be open to street performers or buskers who register online. A second plaza on the opposite side of the station near the garage will include covered spaces where people can enjoy food trucks and other activities. With its Northwest Modern look and feel and thoughtfully placed art, the completed station will meet the neighborhood goals for being inviting, nature-inspired and contemporary. The FWLE project team hopes these investments will make the station a destination and a catalyst for a thriving and walkable community.
Request for Qualifications
In April Sound Transit released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure a design-build contractor to finish designing and then construct the entire FWLE alignment, including the three station areas. After proposers submit their Statements of Qualifications for the RFQ, Sound Transit will evaluate and score each submission to determine a short list of qualified design-build firms selected to participate in the Request for Proposal phase of the procurement. Sound Transit's project team anticipates releasing a RFP to the shortlisted design-build firms in August. Each firm will have approximately six months to respond to the RFP. Sound Transit will then evaluate and score the shortlisted firm's proposal and select the highest-ranked proposal. After successful completion of negotiations with the top-ranked firm, Sound Transit will then work toward board approval for contract award.
Recent and upcoming activities in the corridor
The FWLE project team recently hosted workshops for residents facing project-related relocation. The workshops focused on renters and provided an overview of the Sound Transit relocation program. HomeSight—a local nonprofit that assists first-time homebuyers—also gave a presentation.
Our project team will be out and about sharing information at local events and area farmers' markets. Keep an eye out for our booths and stop by to chat with us! Watch for an event schedule in future email updates.